The Wallaroos must rue another opportunity missed as they fell to a maiden loss to Wales.
They won't wait long for a chance to respond but the 31-24 defeat leaves the squad searching for answers ahead of WXV 2.
Watch the Wallaroos tackle Wales live and exclusive on Stan Sport.
So what did we learn?
Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard summed up it perfectly after the game when she said that loss was 'on their chest' after being their own worst enemy in Newport
They had multiple chances inside Wales’ 22 and let themselves down with their handling.
Their scrum was dominant for the majority of the game yet they turned down the opportunity for one five metres out in the 15th minute after winning a penalty, only to overthrow the lineout and give Wales possession.
In total, Australia made seven more line breaks and 18 more tackle busts yet were outscored five tries to three
It’s the first time Australia has gone down to Wales and it leaves them needing to seriously soul-search before they face Wales again in eight days.
The questions around replacing inspirational number eight Piper Duck were answered as Tabua Tuinakauvadra delivered her best performance in the gold jersey.
The Brumbies number eight set the tempo early with a powerful burst from her opening carry, skittling defenders to get Australia on the attack.
Tuinakauvadra delivered Australia quick ball time and time again as she drew multiple defenders with each carry.
Her try late was well deserved for a player that kept coming up big for the visitors.
The Wallaroos missed the presence of a big body that can bend a defensive line and Tuinakauvadra needs to continue this form into WXV.
The Wallaroos need to work on their maul defence if they are to flip the result in a week’s time.
Wales’ rolling maul was unstoppable for their opening try, putting Australia on the back foot enough for Kiera Bevan to dive over.
The Australians defence improved after this, but the Welsh continued to drive them back at moments and Molly Reardon eventually crashed over in the second half for a double that put them in front.
If Wales wants to repeat success in South Africa, they need to build their game around their rolling maul.
The difference in this game proved to be the Wallaroos’ ill-discipline late in the game.
Twice they were pinged for failing the retreat after a clearing kick into the wind to try and find field position. On both occasions, Wales struck decisive blows to seal the win.
Under the new laws, referees need to see that effort that you are trying to get back onside and not relying on the attacker running the necessary distance to negate them being onside.
It’s the basics like this that let them down.
Caitlyn Halse made good use of her call-up to the starting side with a calm performance at the back.
Her step under pressure to evade the chasing Welsh defence showed her poise whilst the strength to carry multiple tacklers over the line defied her age.
Halse turned 18 during the week and is a real talent that needs to be nurtured as she continues to find her feet in Test Rugby.
